Guest Column: Coach Gaddis inspires Oak Ridge

Tuesday

Jul 9, 2013 at 4:41 PMJul 9, 2013 at 4:45 PM

For football crazy Oak Ridge fans, the long summer lull between spring practice and opening kickoff seems to go on forever. But this summers’ lull is different, and it seems endless. Similarly, the return of head football Coach Joe Gaddis has ignited an excitement for Oak Ridge football that seems to have no end. And, it is incredible.

by Dan Whitson

For football crazy Oak Ridge fans, the long summer lull between spring practice and opening kickoff seems to go on forever. But this summers’ lull is different, and it seems endless. Similarly, the return of head football Coach Joe Gaddis has ignited an excitement for Oak Ridge football that seems to have no end. And, it is incredible.

It’s not that Gaddis returns to a program that is in need of rebuilding. Predecessor Coach Scott Blade’s teams were well coached, tough, and they played hard. They often excelled beyond expectation, and they made Oak Ridgers proud. But older fans remember an Armstrong Stadium and its adjoining hillsides that were always packed. They remember pad-slapping fans four, five and six deep the full length of “The Steps.” And, they remember the excitement of bonfires and pre-game city streets lined with fans, banners and streamers urging their team on as they passed in buses on the way to the stadium.

There are many of those fans who actually looked forward to away games. They planned it as an event. They cherished being part of the endless caravan of cars, trucks and travel homes that would follow their Wildcats anywhere just to see them play.

At this point, not one game has been played, nor has a single players’ position been secured. But, the magic of a highly emotional coach with a passion for Oak Ridge and its Wildcats has a way of reminding fans of just how special and important Oak Ridge football really is.

Gaddis is aggressively seeking any means possible to stir the interest. He has addressed the students at both middle schools. He has rallied the high school study body and increased the current team’s head count from 50 players to near 80. Part of his message to the students is, “don’t pass up the opportunity to be part of something special. We need you to be part of what we are doing.”

Outside of the hallways, Gaddis has spent considerable time working with the Boys & Girls Club staff and its volunteers promising that he will do everything he can do revitalize their football program and support their volunteer coaches.

The Football Boosters and Quarterback Club’s memberships have more than doubled, and both organizations have broadened their vision as to how they might help. Gaddis has spoken to more than 30 civic and church groups since his return in May. He has left them all thrilled with the expectation of what a revitalized sense of pride can do for a community.

Gaddis’ message is not just about Wildcat football. He understands small towns. He understands that something as simple as a football team can unite people. It can cause them to want to work together, regardless of their economic background, education, age, race or gender. And what he wants to give is not just about football players. It is about band members, boosters, cheerleaders, an involved student body, young families, city leaders and the senior citizens who for years have made it all possible. He knows it makes us one. It makes us realize again that we are Oak Ridgers, and we have a lot to be proud of.

Evidence of fan enthusiasm is seen in events like the impromptu reception that longtime Oak Ridgers Doug and Cathy Freels recently hosted at their farm. A simple gathering to welcome Gaddis home, and to meet his new staff members quickly turned into a gathering of about 80 fans. In these parts a fish fry, barbecue, and bluegrass music are enough to draw a crowd. But, these people were there to see and hear their coach. And Gaddis did not disappoint. He drove home the same message he does at every stop.

With stern and deep passion he tells listeners, that he truly knows from experience how special Oak Ridge is. He explains that he has been a teacher and football coach for more than 35 years. He has coached at 10 schools in five states. And he knows with certainty that there is no place like Oak Ridge! He tells them, “you may love it, but you have no idea how truly special it is. And, you have no idea how proud I am to be part of it again. We will make this football program exactly what you want it to be. We are going to pack the stadium, we are going to make it exciting, and we are going to win.”

Dan Whitson is a member of the Boys Club Alumni and an Oak Ridge High School Wildcats football supporter.

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